6 Keys to Delivering A Message That is Understood

Many of us spend several hours a day engaged in some form of communication. We email, phone, tweet and visit and are hopeful that the message is getting through loud and clear. Communication can be defined as “the art of passing information and ideas from one person to another” and the purpose of communication is to promote understanding. It’s critical, then, that you take great care when conveying a message so that it is received as you had intended.

Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when preparing to deliver a message:

1) Be clear in your own mind first what the message is that you want to send. If there is any confusion at the source, delivery is likely to be muddled.

2) Choose delivery method with care. A complex message should be delivered in writing so that the receiver can read and re-read to facilitate understanding. Emotional messages are best delivered in person so that the sender can respond to reaction.

3) Reconcile verbal and physical messages. Does your body language match your message? Be conscious of both to avoid confusion.

4) Resist the use of jargon. Unless you are certain that the receiver is familiar with the technical language, stick to more generic, understandable words.

5) Anticipate reaction. Before delivering your message, think about how it will be received. What their expectations are could impact on how well they understand your message.

6) Monitor your mood. The way you feel will dictate how well you communicate. If you are in a miserable mood, hold off on sending the message until the cloud clears. If it’s urgent, ask an unbiased third party to review the message and provide constructive feedback before sending to the intended recipient.

Thousands of messages are sent every day and whether they are verbal, non-verbal or written, you should bear in mind the following stats:

• The actual words used convey 7% of the meaning

• The tone of the words convey 38% of the meaning

• The body language conveys 55% of the meaning

So think it through before you send an email when a face-to-face discussion is needed. What obstacles do you experience with communication?

Many of us spend several hours a day engaged in some form of communication. We email, phone, tweet and visit and are hopeful that the message is getting through loud and clear. Communication can be defined as “the art of passing information and ideas from one person to another” and the purpose of communication is to promote understanding. It’s critical, then, that you take great care when conveying a message so that it is received as you had intended.

Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when preparing to deliver a message:

1) Be clear in your own mind first what the message is that you want to send. If there is any confusion at the source, delivery is likely to be muddled.

2) Choose delivery method with care. A complex message should be delivered in writing so that the receiver can read and re-read to facilitate understanding. Emotional messages are best delivered in person so that the sender can respond to reaction.

3) Reconcile verbal and physical messages. Does your body language match your message? Be conscious of both to avoid confusion.

4) Resist the use of jargon. Unless you are certain that the receiver is familiar with the technical language, stick to more generic, understandable words.

5) Anticipate reaction. Before delivering your message, think about how it will be received. What their expectations are could impact on how well they understand your message.

6) Monitor your mood. The way you feel will dictate how well you communicate. If you are in a miserable mood, hold off on sending the message until the cloud clears. If it’s urgent, ask an unbiased third party to review the message and provide constructive feedback before sending to the intended recipient.

Thousands of messages are sent every day and whether they are verbal, non-verbal or written, you should bear in mind the following stats:

• The actual words used convey 7% of the meaning

• The tone of the words convey 38% of the meaning

• The body language conveys 55% of the meaning

So think it through before you send an email when a face-to-face discussion is needed.